What price journalistic integrity? In the case of this Alexandra Road East Fremantle home, a passionfruit petit four.
A plate of the sweet delights, fresh from a patisserie just up the road, had been laid out in the lounge room for my arrival.
Good manners dictated I only got to eat one before checking out this tasty three-bedroom home, so I don’t feel too compromised.
It was pleasant sitting in the central lounge with its rich, wide-jarrah floorboards, high ceiling and fireplace, chatting with the vendor and agent and licking my fingers clean of the last sweet vestige of tart.
Apart from loving East Fremantle the vendors bought the limestone and iron home because it’s a short walk to the local primary school.
They’re not going far, just to something a bit bigger to accommodate a growing family.
Moving in a few years ago they ripped out daggy old carpet to reveal gorgeous jarrah, and painted woodsmoke-yellowed walls a pristine white.
But for morning sunshine on cooler days the very private front garden and verandah are just the spot.
The kitchen was given a huge makeover to create a lovely open space, with white cupboards, white Caesar stone bench top and a huge pull-out pantry.
What looks like another set of pantry doors actually open to reveal a “secret” laundry. Au European chic.
With ocean views to be had from a second storey the vendors did talk of going up, which is why the rear has been left relatively untouched for the next owners.
Kicking out the rear wall for a family room and adding a second storey parents’ retreat would be easy (just check with the council first).
From the front door, looking down the central passage you get views of the sparkling pool as you step into this early 1900s home, enhanced by a glass barrier rather than a pool fence.
High timber fences around the back yard ensure privacy, while a gracious old gum shades the patio area and a swathe of grass.
But for morning sunshine on cooler days the very private front garden and verandah are just the spot.
There’s parking for three cars at the rear of the block, accessed down a shared drive.
The delightful George Street shopping strip is just around the corner and, like the primary school, John Curtin College of the Arts is within walking distance.
And not too much further afield you’ll find shopping and cafe choices aplenty in either direction, not to mention the lovely East Fremantle river foreshore.
by JENNY D’ANGER
61 Alexandra Road, East Fremantle
Offers accepted
Clare Hickey-Shand 0424 593 136
Yard Property